The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume II

541

PAPERS OF l\IIRABEAU BUO:N"APARTE LAMAR

present position against the efforts of Mexico and would also force England the interests of whose capitalists are so much dependent their commerce with l\Iexico, to interpose and influence Mexico to recognize Texas as the only means of settling the embarrassment in her commerce. That Texas will be able to support a blockade against Vera Cruse provided she succeeds in obtaining the vessels con- tracted for I cannot doubt-she may be able also to blockade ef- ficiently Tampico also-'- but the efficient blockade of Veracruse alone would bring about, and very speedily too, that desirable ob- ject. The historv of the late contest between France & l\Iexico so far as the actio~ of England is concerned seems to me to be suf- ficient proof of the correctness· of this opinion. Her citizens (Eng- lish) who are largely the creditors of 1\Texico and whose influence has heretofore been used strongly against ·Texas would then see the nec- cessity of calling upon their Govt. to interfere and bring about a. com- promise as they have done between Fran~e & :Mexico Heret[ofore I] mentioned to you in a private letter that it was my desire to return to Texas during the approaching sumer or fall, I also mentioned the same. in a more formal manner to the Secy of State. In those communications I fixed upon no time at which I wished to be relieved. I must now ask leave to leave my· post by the 1st of September next. At that date I would be glad to deliver over to such a. gentleman as you may name the charge of the papers & business of the Legation or I would be glad to retire at an earlier day provided I could previously obtain from this & the British Gov- ernment a decisive answer upon the question of recognition I hope ahd believe that you will justly appreciate my desire to settle, that question before I return. It is now nearly two years since I arrived in England and the day cannot be far distant when this & that Govt. must feel themselves bound to say positively yea or nay and as soon as I can obtain such a decision or in any event by the first of Septr. I wish to retire from the place I now occupy 1\fy health has suffered so much for the last six, months from the severity of this climate that I cannot with safety remain here anothe[r win]ter and independent that my private business demands my attention at home. You will have been told that McIntosh will gladly remain here or in England provided he can have the appointment of Min- ister to either or potH places should they still remain connected His appointment would be most convenient as I could at any time even previous to Septr. leve [sic] him in charge of matters

I have the honour to Remain your most Obedient Servant

J PJnckney Henderson

[Endorsed]

[Addressed]

"\V: P. Henderson Paris

To His Excellency

Genl l\I B. Lamar

23 Apl 1839

Care of

Wm Bryan Esq. Texian Consul New Orleans La.

Republic of Texas

OFFICIAL

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